"These two celebrations are momentum for us to become closer and more familiar," Ishii said during Emperor Akihito`s birthday reception here on Thursday evening.
According to Ishii, currently Japan and Indonesia are discussing Project 2045 to predict the future of the two countries in the next 27 years and to identify various areas of cooperation that can be improved.
"At that time, at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Indonesia`s Independence, I believe Indonesia`s GDP will be the fourth largest in the world. Japan-Indonesia will be a middle maritime force that can achieve prosperity beyond the SDGs," he said.
The optimism is based on Indonesia`s economic growth which is relatively resistant to global turmoil, which in 2019 is predicted to reach 5.1 percent.
"I am a person who truly believes in our bright future and I hope you believe it too," the ambassador said.
On that occasion, Ishii also expressed his condolences for the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Palu and several areas in Central Sulawesi in October 2018, and reiterated Japan`s commitment to assist the rehabilitation and reconstruction process.
"Japan will soon complete the blueprint for rebuilding and I hope that reconstruction will be completed as soon as possible," the ambassador said.
At the reception to mark Emperor Akihito`s 85th birthday Vice President Jusuf Kalla attended as an honorary guest.
The Vice President represented the government and people of Indonesia to wish Emperor Akihito a long and happy life.
Regarding the presence of Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Ambassador Ishii considered it as a great honor for Japan and a symbol of the close relations between the two countries.
Editing by Yoseph
Reporter: Azizah Fitriyanti
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
